Identification Problem: Can anyone tell me what these things are...

[AdeWhittaker]

There's a couple of these things in line to what I think are the feeds to a shower mixer unit. The washers in the unit are leaking (they have been for some time but I've been reluctant to address the issue because I don't know where the isolation valves are and turning off at the mains seemed excessive until now).

Anyway things have come to a head and I now want to isolate the shower unit. I've traced the pipes (as well as I can, this isn't the easiest house to navigate behind the walls, if you know what I mean. It's old and it's been 'improved' several times).

I've found these, what are they?:

 

[townfanjon]

In - line filters pal

 

[AdeWhittaker]

Thanks, I think.

That makes a certain amount of sense - it would be something you might want to fit in a pipe going to a shower unit. Assuming they are fitted to pipes leading to the shower unit, I could replace them relatively simply with isolating valves and I'm happy.

Unfortunately, I can't be sure they *are* the pipes leading to the unit - so frustrating.

 

[townfanjon]

Ade, you can buy a combined filter/isolation valve. Some would say the filters are a bit overkill if it is ......supplying a shower

 

[AdeWhittaker]

a combined filter/isolation valve

I just tried to Google that but I only got stuff for fuel systems (Gasoline/DERV/Oil) - I think you're right it's overkill on a modern water system.

I'll take a swing at replacing them with simple isolation valves tomorrow. Shutting off the mains and the hot water will be a start, but I'm laying in a LOT of towels and hoping the pipe doesn't have too much reserve. Such fun.

 

[snowhead]

BALLOFIX 15MM BRASS ISOLATING VALVE WITH FILTER | eBay




But you'd be better off with a lever valve, slotted ball valves either leak, or seize up and leak.


Just an example, may be cheaper elsewhere;
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BLUE-RED-...DIY_Materials_Plumbing_MJ&hash=item27e22a49ab

 

[AlexGas]

Another name for it is Y type line strainer.

 

[Belli]

Tstation do a iso/strainer/flow reg valve, just take out the flow reg bit and its a full bore/iso/strainer valve with handle not screwdriver operated.

 

[Ermintrude]

Make sure valves are full bore and really should incorporate double check valve if shower hose has no restraining ring

 

[AdeWhittaker]

Thank you all for your help. I've gotten the first valve in, the second is on its way.